109-1291-file_method of statement

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Plumbing Method

Statement

Guidance NoteNo.23

November 2009

Guidance Note GN 1 (V1) February 2009



Method Statements -A basic guide to preparation

Introduction

The purpose of a method statement is to ensure that safety critical work is carried out in a particularsequence. There are few examples where their definitive requirements are laid down by statute orother regulatory standard. Where they do exist they are predominantly for high-risk activities such aslicensed asbestos removal, demolition and steel erection. In these cases, not only is a methodstatement a legal requirement, but also its structure and format are clearly defined.

The general principle is to ensure that a safe system of work applies to all work activities and as sucha method statement is an ideal way to prove that the risks associated with a particular activity hasbeen carefully considered and appropriate controls implemented.

Format

The actual format is dependent on the work being undertaken and the organisational arrangements inplace but generally the following headings should be present:

1. Organisation/company in control of the operation

2. Named individual responsible for the activity and its safety

3. Name of method statement originator and authorisation date

4. Arrangements for changing/deviating from method statement

5. General description of activity

6. Location of activity including access and restrictions

7. General working environment considerations, e.g. temperature and wind speed

8. Protection of others, e.g. members of the public

9. Emergency procedures, including location of emergency equipment10. Identity of operatives (and any specific training or certification required)

11. Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment

12. Plant and equipment used, including safety precautions and restrictions

13. Materials information e.g. hazard information and storage/transport requirements

14. Work sequence, including associated risks and required control measures for each stage.

15. Safety checks/clearances at specific stages

16. Final clearance that activity is completed to specification

17. Any other additional information that may be relevant

The list above is not exhaustive and a method statement may or may not include each and everyitem. However as a minimum it must achieve the following objectives:-

It should be up to date, identifiable and its source accountableIt should contain the sequence of worksIt should identify the associated risks and control measuresIt should state actions/authorisation required to deviate from method statement

Below is an example method statement for relatively low risk activities. It can be as simple or asdetailed as the job/risk requires, so long as it meets the four main objectives.

Guida nce Note GN 23 (V2) November 2009 2



Method Statement

Contract Manager:Mr Theresa Green

Site Supervisor:Mr Sandy Beeches

Originator: George Williams Position: Safety Manager Date:21/08/2008This method statement is critical to the health and safety of the activity(ies) it relates to. It

is to be strictly adhered to. Any deviation must first be authorised by the Site Supervisor.Planned Task/Activity Description:Replace Ball Valve to Water Tank.Location and Access: (attached plan as appropriate)Located on flat roof through access door into plant room.Working Environment & Restrictions:Access to roof through locked door, once on roof attach harness to fixed safety restraint system,follow set walkway to plant room. If no information is available on the site water treatmentregime/water quality checks, contact office for further clearance to work.Protection of others:Men at work sign attached to roof access door, additional signage displayed at work areaEmergency Procedures:

Normal site emergency procedures will apply.Operatives/Competence:1 city and guilds trained PlumberPersonal Protective Equipment:Overalls, Safety Harness, Gloves, Goggles, Safety FootwearPlant & Equipment:Isolation lock and general hand toolsMaterials Handling/Storage & Safety Information:All material in manageable individual lengthsCritical Stages: (must be undertaken in correct sequence)

1. On arrival site contact made and site induction undertaken2. Access site log book (ensuring to check for details of water treatment regime) and asbestos

register if applicable

3. Collect site permit to work and sign for hand held radio, plus roof access and plant room keys4. Gain access to roof area via internal stairway, place safety signage on roof access door and

attach safety harness to safety restraint system5. Follow set walkway to plant room, unlock plant room door, detach safety harness and enter

plant room6. locate water tank and store all materials and equipment safely to avoid slip and trip hazards7. Operative to make other persons aware of work in progress via safety signage8. Isolate main water supply to ball valve9. Relieve water pressure to ball valve with lever arm10. Prevent system being re-energized via isolation lock11. Disconnect ball valve from pipework12. Withdraw ball valve from the tank13. Fit replacement ball valve14. Reconnect ball valve to pipework (renewing the washer to connection)

15. Check all unions are tight16. Re-pressurise the water system17. Check all joints/unions for leaks18. Check full operation of ball valve and set tank water level19. Re-energize system20. Tidy away all tools/waste and remove safety signage21. Lock plant room door, attach safety harness to safety restraint system and follow set path to

roof access door. Detach safety harness, remove safety signage and gain entry to internalstairway, ensuring roof access door is locked

22. Return all keys and radio to site contact and complete permit to work23. Enter any relevant details in site log book.

Final Clearance: (Work/Activity completed to satisfaction).

Name Position: Date:

Guidance Note GN 23 (V2) November 2009 3Method Statement



Guidance Note GN 23 (V2) November 2009 4

Contract Manager: Site Supervisor:

Originator: Position: Date:This method statement is critical to the health and safety of the activity(ies) it relates to. It

is to be strictly adhered to. Any deviation must first be authorised by the Site Supervisor.Planned Task/Activity Description:

Location and Access: (attached plan as appropriate)

Working Environment & Restrictions:

Protection of others:

Emergency Procedures:

Operatives/Competence:

Personal Protective Equipment:

Plant & Equipment:

Materials Handling/Storage & Safety Information:

Critical Stages: (must be undertaken in correct sequence)

Final Clearance: (Work/Activity completed to satisfaction).

Name Position: Date:

109-1291-file_method of statement

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